SACHSENRING, Germany: Belgian rider Xavier Simeon won the German Moto2 Grand Prix at the Sachsen¬ring circuit on Sunday (Monday in Manila) to claim the first win of his career in his 86th start.

The 25-year-old Kalex rider— the first Belgian winner of a motorcycling GP since Didier de Radigues won his home 250cc race at Spa Francor¬champs in 1983—finished just ahead of world championship leader Johann Zarco of France, who had led for most of the race, while Spain’s Alex Rins finished third.

“I didn’t know where he (Zarco) was on the final curve, so that was a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m just delighted to get the win,” said Simeon after a tight finish.

A crash on the final corner on the final lap saw Italy’s Franco Morbidelli and reigning world champion Tito Rabat, second in the overall rankings, both forced out of the race with the finish line in sight.